I am a workout junkie. I don't feel like my day's been productive unless I've done something that really makes me sweat, so you can find me at the gym most mornings. I have been wearing a variation of the same workout outfit for six years at this point: black "supermodel" pant from Victoria's Secret Sport, an American Eagle boyfriend tank top, some manner of zip-up sweatshirt, ponytail and a silicon-backed Goody thin headband. I've branched out a little lately, working a few new, more loose-fitting cotton tanks into the rotation, but I always go back to my favorites. My husband makes fun of me for wearing so much clothing to the gym, and it's true; the pants are somewhat thick, though they wick away sweat nicely, and I sometimes feel like the slightly flared bottoms get in the way when I'm spinning. I was eager for a change, and when I saw an ad for Fabletics (affiliate link) that boasted a full workout outfit for $25, I decided to give it a try!
Fabletics is the same sort of subscription model as Jewelmint, ShoeDazzle, etc: become a "VIP member," pay a monthly fee, in this case, $49.95, and pick out an outfit. You can skip a month by the 5th by clicking a button on the site. Otherwise, the credit card on file is charged, and you will have a credit for $49.95. You can shop the site without becoming a VIP member, but prices are higher. You also take a short quiz to determine what outfits fit your style and needs. You can buy separate pieces, but the outfit deals are way better. New styles come out each month. Kate Hudson collaborates on the designs and often models them.
There is no earthly way I need a new workout outfit every month, even with all the exercise I do. I just can't see spending $50 a month - I have a washing machine! Also, I'd rather spend that money on other clothes. But for $25, I figured it was worth a try... I plan to skip months unless there is something I love.
Outfits generally consist of 3 pieces: a top, a bottom, and a sports bra. One glance at the bras they have on the site, and I knew they weren't gonna cut it. I'm busty, and I do hardcore cardio. I need maximum strapped-in support and an underwire, and the bras they have are more like shelf bras. Too bad; some of them are cute! A few outfits had a scarf (huh? who needs a workout scarf) or socks or a headband with them, so I went for Sept: a pair of patterned "Salar" black/grey/white capris, a "Leon" black racerback tank, and a peach headband. The tank comes in other colors, but they were sold out. Apparently, styles/colors sell out quickly in desirable styles.
Standard shipping is free. You can't mix and match items to create your own outfit, though, which is a bummer. I wanted a different pattern, but it only came with outfits with sports bras, which are basically useless to me. I received my order relatively quickly.
Each piece comes separately wrapped in plastic. You can return items, but they must have tags attached. When I tried on the top, the tag fell off. Oops. It's okay; I planned to keep it anyway. The top and pants are both made of a combo of polyester and lycra.
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I wore the outfit to a typical sweat session today. The pants are definitely thinner than my VS ones, but not in a bad way. They felt lighter and made it easier to move, though the somewhat shiny fabric squeaked a little against my bike seat. They are definitely tight, but I think that's because a) they are compression pants, and b) I'm used to my VS pants, which I bought before I lost weight but still fit, more or less. They're also very opaque; there's no seeing through these bad boys, even the white parts! I liked the top quite a bit; it was definitely body-skimming but not overly snug, and the small mesh panel in the back kept me cool. It seemed to wick away perspiration nicely, so while I was still very, very sweaty by the end of my time at the gym, I didn't feel disgusting. The headband was definitely comfortable and soft. It stayed put during a jog, but I had to readjust once during spin class. I hardly ever have to touch my cheapie, silicon-backed Goody headbands, but adjusting once isn't so bad. I also just generally liked the way the outfit looked; I thought it was pretty flattering for gym attire, and I got compliments on my pants.
So on the whole, I give Fabletics a 7 out of 10. I like the product, but I really hate getting roped into these monthly charge websites. I'll inevitably forget to "skip" a month, and then get mad and cancel. For what it's worth, you can cancel at any time, but you have to call them to do so. I also don't like how quickly desirable colors/sizes sell out; I would have liked this tank in a different color, but only black was left. On the plus side, the clothes are very cute, and they're a pretty darn good deal at $49.95 for a full outfit. I've skimped on workout clothes before (hi, Old Navy!), but it never works out. My 4 pairs of VS pants, despite being washed probably once a week for the past 6 years, have held up impeccably. Fabletics say to wash their items cold, tumble dry low, so we'll see how that goes.
You can use my link to get your first outfit for $25 - if you use it, I get $10 off my next order! And you'll get your own referral link when you sign up, too!
